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Staff asks council to continue support for LD 465 to expand historic rehab tax credit to homeowners

Bangor City Council · January 13, 2026

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Summary

Anne Craig, director of community and economic development, asked the council to continue support for LD 465, which would raise the small‑rehab tax credit from 25% to 30%, extend credits to homeowners, add bonuses for accessory dwelling units and previously vacant properties, and cap eligible expenses at $250,000.

Anne Craig, director of community and economic development, told the council that Maine Preservation requested continued municipal support for LD 465 as the bill advances to appropriations this week. Craig said the bill would increase the small rehabilitation tax credit from 25% of qualified expenses to 30%, extend eligibility to homeowners (who currently lack access to some façade grants available to commercial owners), and add an extra 5% for accessory dwelling units and another 5% for work on previously vacant properties, with a maximum eligible expense of $250,000.

"Basically, what it's changing is, right now for small rehabilitation projects, you get 25% of qualified expenditures... this increases it to 30," Craig said, and added that extending credits to homeowners was the significant change local preservation professionals have sought. Craig asked whether the council wished to continue the city's support now that some council members are new since last year.

Councilors acknowledged the request. Staff noted the matter is time sensitive because it is moving to appropriations; no formal vote was taken at the workshop, but staff said they would continue to monitor the measure and provide testimony as authorized by the council.